After the 76ers improved to 36-20 in the Eastern Conference, James - who was pursued by Philadelphia before he joined the Lakers in the offseason - told reporters: "I thought they were going to be very good anyway before they made any moves, before the season even started.

"And they've made a bunch of moves to improve their club."

Lakers president Magic Johnson was in attendance and the Hall of Famer had a message for the east.

"The East better watch out," said Johnson. "This is a stacked team."

Kyle Kuzma starred for the Lakers on the road, posting 39 points - 23 of those coming in the first quarter.